£22k pw midfielder wants Gers deal amid Clement interest in international

One of the many choices facing Philippe Clement is whether or not to extend John Lundstram’s contract with the Rangers.

The 30-year-old midfielder will be close to the top of the list when the squad rebuild is being addressed, since the manager of the Green Bay Packers has six players whose contracts expire in the summer.

Since the manager arrived in Glasgow, Rangers have improved immeasurably, and John Lundstram has been pivotal as he fights to earn a new contract with the Light Blues number four giving an update on negotiations.

Rangers have John Lundstram contract decision to make

To justify being one of the highest paid players at the club, there has to be certain criteria that is met.

Do they play when they are fit?

Are they available to play every week?

Can they be replaced for less money?

The issue with Lundstram is that different people are reporting different amounts for his weekly pay.

Respected football finance websites like Salary Sport report that it is £22,000 per week, contrary to the story spread by supporters and some fan media, which places it closer to £35,000.

Rangers should have the upper hand considering his advanced age, as John Lundstram will be aware that a move away from Ibrox would only be temporary.

When asked if there was any news on a contract renewal, he said:

“I’ve never shied away from saying how much I love the club and I’d love to stay but it’s obviously between me and the club to sort something out.”

Lundstram ticks most of the boxes in terms of being a key player but it is the last one that Philippe Clement has to consider.

Can he find a better player who wouldn’t cost as much money and potentially even make Rangers money in the future?

Kieran Dowell has demonstrated that he can be a flexible number eight who can score goals, and Dujon Sterling has come into his own as a true defensive midfield alternative.

Steven Alzate, a playmaker for Brighton who is presently on loan at Standard Liege, is apparently of interest to Rangers. The Colombian international is exactly the kind of guy we need, similar to Alexis Mac Allister.

Lundstram’s inability to excel in any capacity as a hybrid is his main flaw.

A midfielder along the lines of Steven Davis, who can link possession and attacking phases with his passing range, is exactly what Rangers need.

Lundstram has been more aggressive with his passing under Clement but he still has a habit of taking the ball off the toes of the central defenders who are more than capable on the ball themselves.

Rangers shouldn’t rush into making any decisions or be held to ransom, if John Lundstram wants to stay, he might have to wait and see if we can sign anyone better first.

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